. . . I've been told that I write novels for email messages. Perhaps this is the way to go. I'll try to make each entry, or Gemstone, a "precious" one. On mediocre days, all I might be able to produce is a "semi-precious" entry. In any case, an entry might be a "neat" Gemstone--something that is uniquely mine.

About Me

I'm originally from northern California but now live in the high desert region of the southwest in the "Land of Enchantment." I've lived here for 14 years and call this place home. There's beauty here that you would never expect! "What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well." -- Antoine-Marie-Roger de Saint-Exupery

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I was emailing with an old friend yesterday and the subject of fetishes came up. No, not as in foot fetish, but as in Native American Fetishes, specifically from the Zuni Pueblo of New Mexico. I had to Google my friend's fetish and its meaning, since I was only familiar with my own and some family member's. I found a really great website with a section on Zuni Fetishes that states:

Zuni Fetishes are an animal, bird or figure hand carved from stone, shell, antler, wood or other natural materials...The Zuni fetishes are carved to represent the animals which the Zuni people feel are the "mediators" between themselves and a higher power...Zuni Fetishes were first carved as "hunting" fetishes. When taken on a hunting expedition they would ensure a plentiful and successful hunt. Each fetish is believed to have a spirit within. If treated and taken care of properly Zuni Fetishes will help guide you on the right path of life.

Every person should have a fetish such as this. You can choose your own fetish or have one assigned to you by a loved one. Mine is a turtle which is a symbol for a long and meaningful life. I picked it myself because I like turtles, nothing more than that, but I do strive for a meaningful life and try to live as healthy as I can so that I'll live a long time.

Others in my family have chosen or been assigned an eagle, a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems and is a connection to the Divine, a buffalo, a symbol of steadfast endurance to rise above their weaknesses, and a dolphin, who is known for gentleness and playfulness.

2 comments:

Wow, this is intriguing. I would have to say mine would be either (or both?) the Hummingbird "known for bringing inspiration and luck" because I'm always needing inspiration for my quilt work...and/or the Raven; "this bird's beak is stratched across an afflicted person's skull releasing its healing powers" since I will have surgery soon. Both are birds!

That is interesting. I'm so excited to hear about the surgery even though I know it is surgery and will be hard for you. I guess you can have the hummingbird as your main "soul" fetish but in times of change you can have another to support you. Thanks for sharing!

Some days you're the windshield, other days you're the bug!

--Unknown

Name That Rock!

This is a special rock that once belonged to my Grandmother. She lived most of her adult life in Oregon and northern California but was born in Nebraska. She did do some traveling in the west and out east, so maybe got it from her travels. Somebody could have given her the rock. Nobody knows where it came from nor what the rock is actually called. And no, it is not "Steak Rock" or "Fossilized Giraffe Skin." The grains are silt- to sand-sized and in two colors. Both the lighter "matrix" color has the same size grains as the dark. Is it volcanic---perhaps a rhyolite or a welded tuff? Is it sedimentary--maybe a red sandstone or siltstone? I've had some great discussions going on at a couple of geology blogs and will update when I think I've solved the mystery! Send me a note if you've got any ideas by commenting on the blog posts linked below. (You can click the image above to get a larger view and can watch the slideshow below for more views).